The might of white

This photo, provided by Universal Lighting, demonstrates the mixing of non-colour colours beautifully. The walls are painted biscuit, which provides just enough contrast with the white trim to show that they differ.

Photograph by: Handout photo
, Universal Lighting

Are all-white rooms passé? I'm about to redecorate my living room and I'm ready to wipe the slate clean in more ways than one. I don't own any great pieces of furniture that I would miss if I sold or gave away, and I think this might be a good time to explore my love of the colour (is it a colour?) white. Do you think I'm making a huge decorating faux pas?

Thank you,

- Jacqueline

Though I am an ardent fan of colour, I often dream of one day living in a room void of colour. Maybe we all do.

Whenever I come across pictures of mostly white rooms in magazines or on web sites, I stare at them as if they hold the answers to a better life. They look cleaner, fresher and brighter than any room I have ever inhabited. They never look cluttered, always appear curated and I imagine their occupants dressing in designer clothing and drinking great wine - even if they only serve white. Somewhere deep inside, I'm sure I don't feel worthy of an all-white room so I flip the page and console myself with images of a royal blue sofa with zebra print cushions.

To answer your question, I do not think white rooms are passé nor do I believe you're committing a decorating faux pas if you gussy up your living room using this singular palette.

Though considering there are hundreds of shades of white (as far as I'm concerned it is a colour if you can go into a paint store and leave with a can of paint), I suggest you use a few different ones to create more visual depth than if the entire room was Colgate white.

The photo above provided by Universal Lighting (greatlighting.com) demonstrates the mixing of non-colour colours beautifully. The walls are painted biscuit, which provides just enough contrast with the white trim to show that they differ. Like the trim, the furniture is brighter than the walls so the pieces stand out against them while maintaining the overall serenity of the room.

It's important to include reflective surfaces such as glass, chrome or lacquer. They help to reflect the light, whether natural or electrical. Notice how the lacquered coffee table and side tables add sheen to the room. And the chrome accents from the Hudson Valley chandelier and the table and chair bases bring just enough metal bling to break up all the white. I also like that the table lamps are glass and bring some sparkle to the room without being visually heavy.

One of the great things about decorating in monotone is that mismatched items from different time periods can blend seamlessly together because of their common colour. You mention not having any furniture that you particularly want to hold on to, but do you have anything you would keep if you sprayed it high-gloss white? Maybe you have a pair of end tables, or a coffee table, that you could rework if they were the correct colour?

If you don't have to start completely from scratch it would help your budget, allowing you to put funds into the big-ticket items.

The more I look at this photo, the more timeless it appears to me and the more I support you in your quest for an all-white(ish) living room. And one day when I've worked through my personal issues surrounding these light and airy rooms I will join you in creating a bright white space for my myself. Because I deserve it.

Happy decorating!

Jeffrey

Be sure to use different shades of white to create subtle contrast and interest.

Story Tools

This photo, provided by Universal Lighting, demonstrates the mixing of non-colour colours beautifully. The walls are painted biscuit, which provides just enough contrast with the white trim to show that they differ.

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